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POWELL, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay are introducing a brand-new way to enjoy summer evenings with the debut of Adventure Nights, a new summer event connecting both parks and offering added savings for families.
Held Friday and Saturday nights from June 26 through July 25, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., this new, family-friendly event takes place in the Adventure Cove region at the Columbus Zoo, the area between the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. Entry to Adventure Cove is FREE after the rest of the Zoo closes for the day! Guests can also extend their evening at Zoombezi Bay with discounted admission, which includes access to Adventure Cove.
“Adventure Nights brings a different kind of energy to summer evenings and is all about bringing people together in a way that feels easy and relaxed,” said Anthony Sabo, Vice President of Zoombezi Bay and Columbus Zoo Operations. “It’s a chance to experience something new, enjoy a nice evening, and make the most of time with family and friends at a great value.”
Evening Fun in Adventure Cove
The Columbus Zoo’s Adventure Cove region, presented by OhioHealth, will serve as the hub for Adventure Nights.
Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the evening, including:
- Free family movies every Friday night
- Free live music every Saturday night
- Animal experiences, including the sea lion and seal tunnel and Stingray Bay
- Arcade games and a 9-hole miniature golf course
- Strolling entertainment and Character Ambassador appearances
- Food and drinks available for purchase
- Select Adventure Cove rides, including the Sea Dragon and Tidal Twist roller coasters, will also be open during Adventure Nights, with ride tickets and wristbands available for purchase.
Adventure Nights at the Zoo is hosted exclusively in the Adventure Cove region; other Zoo areas close at 6 p.m.
Friday Night Movies
Adventure Nights features a lineup of free family-friendly movies each Friday, including:
- June 26 – The Goonies
- July 3 – National Treasure
- July 10 – Muppet Treasure Island
- July 17 – Jungle Cruise
- July 24 – How to Train Your Dragon
Saturday Night Live Music
Adventure Nights features a rotating lineup of live music each Saturday, including:
- June 27 – Angela Perley
- July 4 – Cassette Mindset
- July 11 – Three Ton Toad
- July 18 – The Thirsty Travelers
- July 25 – Riley Burke Band
Extend the Evening at Zoombezi Bay
Guests looking to add even more to their evening can visit Zoombezi Bay, which offers discounted Adventure Nights admission for $24.95. Gold Members and Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders receive free entry.
Select water attractions, including the award-winning Conservation Tower waterslides and Baboon Lagoon, a play area designed for younger children, will be open each night, along with DJs, food, and retail offerings.
Plan Your Visit
Parking is $12 per vehicle. Parking is free for Columbus Zoo members and Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders. Guests can experience the rest of the Zoo by visiting earlier in the day, as those areas close before Adventure Nights begins. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit ColumbusZoo.org and ZoombeziBay.com. For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s conservation initiatives, educational programs, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 23-acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a nearly 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national, and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
About Zoombezi Bay, A Waterpark with a Purpose
Zoombezi Bay is a 23-acre waterpark that features 21 state-of-the-art water attractions, including the award-winning, world’s-first Conservation Tower; aquatic adventure area, Otter Banks; themed water slide, SoundSurfer; the multi-level play structure, Baboon Lagoon; the Pelican Point interactive water playground for the youngest guests; a wave pool; an action river; a lazy river; and more. During the regular summer season, admission to Zoombezi Bay includes the Columbus Zoo, and proceeds from the waterpark support the Zoo’s operation and mission. Please visit ZoombeziBay.com for more information.
